President Lazarus Chakwera on Friday took advantage of the Presidential Charity Golf Championship’s third edition at Country Club Limbe to dispel rumours about his health.
He said his participation provided an platform for him to prove that he is well and kicking, which is contrary to the rumours that he was unwell since he returned from United Nations General Assembly (Unga).
The golf tournament was part of the President’s initiative aimed at raising K600 million for supporting needy students in public universities with tuition fees and helping people affected by natural disasters. It surpassed the target to K609 million.
Said Chakwera: “I have enjoyed the opportunity that today’s game has given me to put to rest a nasty rumour that some Blantyre people were enticed to believe about me that I would be soft and Blantyre players on this course hope of getting their votes in the next election. But now you know that was not true.
“So, let me tell you things that are true. It’s true that I am grateful to all of you for coming in large numbers and with great enthusiasm. I am grateful to the NBS Bank for being the diamond sponsor and others for pouring serious monies into this initiative despite the event being organised in such a short time. I am very thankful.”
The President said he is hopeful that the next edition would even hit the K1 billion ceiling.
He hailed the companies and the individuals for taking part in the noble cause, saying disasters can affect anyone, anytime.
“Climate change disasters can strike everyone, including relatives, leaving families without inheritance. I thank you because you have lit a candle in a dark tunnel. You have made a difference and not noise. You patriots that care about serving Malawians,” he said.
The two-day championship, which attracted 180 golfers from across the country and was played on two-ball-better-ball stableford format, saw Malawi Gaming and Lottery Authority’s team comprising Doreen Mwenitete and Jean Kasenda emerging champions with 50 points.
Icon Properties’ team of retired general Clement Kafuwa and Bashir Shariff was the runner-up with 48 points while Automotive Products team of Willet Kalonga and Eric Chapola took third place with 47 points. CCL golf captain Harold Phiri achieved the rare hole-in-one on the 10th hole.
NBS Bank chief executive officer Kwanele Ngwenya said they decided to be the diamond sponsor of the event because the bank believes education is the great foundation of development and that the needy require everyone’s support.
“This tournament was not about promoting brands or competition but ensuring that we make a difference in the lives of the general public and our customers,” he said.
